Infiniti EX review

Front wheels do little of the driving unless slip is detected at the rear

Slim, tapered rear lights echo the design of the headlights

Infiniti's corporate logo was inspired by the outline of Mount Fuji

Leather-heavy cockpit has a rich, upmarket ambience

Shoulder room and headroom will be tight for large occupants

Rear seats are hardly larger than those of a family hatchback

Headrest coat hanger is a practical touch

Reaview and surround view cameras make parking easy

Boot space is poor: a Ford Focus will swallow more luggage

Petrol sprints to 62mph in under 7.0sec; diesel in under 8.0sec.

Nissan's 370Z sports car donates the petrol engine

Suspension allows a little lateral roll, but grip and balance are excellent

Close

Nissan's luxury arm Infiniti may be a little-known brand in the UK, but the car cognoscenti will be familiar with the marque. It has been successful in the US since 1989, and has rolled out in the UK with, among others, this handsome EX luxury compact crossover SUV to lure the inquisitive.

Initially the EX was only available with a thirsty 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine, but a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 developed from a Renault unit joined the UK line-up under the bonnet of the EX30d in 2010.

The EX37 GT has real sports car character without the Cayenne Turbo running costs

The EX is the biggest-selling Infiniti in the UK and its size, shape and price put it closest to cars such as the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Infiniti has, however, tried to give the EX more focused performance and handling than any class rival. The distinctive coupé styling also differentiates it from more conventional 4x4s.